Dating, events and now FOOD! Well, healthier food that is. I’ve written about a lot of things over the years and I’ve eaten my way through most 🙂 I’m excited to be back on DaytonMostMetro and share a bit of my personal journey towards wellness, one happy plate at a time.
A Little About Happy Plates With Shana
Like so many other women, I’ve struggled with my wellness my entire life. Notice, I didn’t say weight. Because for me it’s always been an internal struggle moreso than an outward appearance struggle. Having lost and gained so many times in my life, I’ve finally reached a point where I’ve realized two important things. The first, I’ve got to move more. The second and inspiration for my group – FOOD IS NOT THE ENEMY. Because I love to cook and refuse to compromise flavor for my fitness goals, I’ve started researching and creating new recipes. While I am working on the first point (MOVING) I’m also eating delicious meals and reinventing the way I do everything in my life.
On Dayton Dining
I’m excited that I’ll be sharing my own personal food makeovers on Dayton Dining and fab reinventions that I find elsewhere! Also, I LOVE to eat out and Dayton has some of my favorite restaurants. I realize I can’t stay away from them forever, so as I learn to make healthier options at these restaurants I’ll be sharing my thoughts and reviewing the level flavor in the dishes I decide to try! I’ll also attempt to reinvent those favorite dishes at home and share back progress. I think the world will be starting their new years resolutions in a few days, so it’s the perfect time to redesign the way we think about food from our homes to our favorite restaurants because remember, food isn’t the enemy.
Happier, Healthier Holiday Favorites
This week in Happy Plates we talked about Holiday Favorites (SWEETS!!!!) and what we wish could be made over to be a little healthier. I’ve rounded up the thoughts of everyone in our group, researched and found some options!
I won’t be making all of these this Christmas but have noted what I will try and I’m excited to report back on flavor!
Skinny Christmas Sugar Cookies (Making These!)
https://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2014/12/13/skinny-christmas-sugar-cookies/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Oat Flour or Gluten Free Blends instead of All Purpose
- Add ½ Teaspoon Organic Almond Extract
- Swap Skim Milk with Almond Milk
No Sugar Cheesecake
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/no-sugar-cheesecake-1260262
- Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Gluten Free Crust
Gluten Free Carrot Cake
https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/gluten-free-carrot-cake/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
Gluten Free Ginger Snaps
https://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes/how-to-make/kid-approved-gingersnap-cookies-gluten-free/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Cut the sugar with Stevia (click for conversion ratios)
Clean & Healthy Lemon Meringue Pie
http://thatcakechick.net/healthy-lemon-meringue-pie/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- None on this one!
Healthy No Bakes (Making!)
https://www.wellplated.com/healthy-no-bake-cookies/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Definitely use all natural peanut butter and Smart Balance is my favorite, having the best consistency!
Healthier Pecan Pie (This was a tough one to find!)
https://www.asweetpeachef.com/healthy-pecan-pie/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Gluten Free Crust for pastry bottom
- Oat Flour or Almond Flour in place of Wheat Flour
Eggnog
https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-eggnog/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Just go easy on whatever you spike it with 🙂
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/gluten-free-cinnamon-rolls-recipe
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Cut the sugar with Stevia (click for conversion ratios)
- Skip the icing if you can!
- Add walnuts
- Swap milk with almond milk
- Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil
Low Sugar Buckeyes (Making!)
https://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/sugar-free-low-carb-buckeyes/
Happy Plates Additional Makeover Tips / Swaps
- Eat them in moderation 🙂
If you’re interested in more of my personal food reinventions and great recipes I find join my group on Facebook!
Remember, try not overthink this holiday season and give yourself grace if you splurge a little. Reinvent when you can to make things lighter and healthier and always ALWAYS remember moderation.
Happy Baking and Merry Christmas! Be back soon with my first restaurant menu review and flavor test!
Xo
Shana
